The Rise of the White Lotus

"I see..." Upon hearing her best friend's last remarks, Lexi slowly nodded her head in understanding. Yet, her expression slightly changed into an awkward manner. 

"Hmm? Hmm?" Rika Song tilted her head to the side as she blinked her eyes as many as she could. "What is this I am smelling? Bestie not ready to face that fridge?" She added as she arched her brows. 

"No, I am just thinking about something." Lexi shook her head sideways as the side of her lips curled into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. 

"Let's drop it for later. By the way, I happened to stumble to a very interesting article this morning. It's about your friend CD." To avert Rika Song's focus, fortunately, Lexi was reminded of the blog she read earlier that day hence, knowing Rika Song and her dislike to a certain Che Diayu, she brought it up. 

Effectively enough, Rika Song didn't press any longer. In a slowly but surely pace, the corner of her lips curled into a huge grin, exposing her even white teeth as she giggled. 

"You liked it?" Sounding like a meanie in the movies, Rika Song covered the sly smile plastered on her lips by the back of her hand. If not for the fact that they were in the middle of an noble event, Rika Song was probably laughing like a evil villain. 

"What do you mean I liked— wait, don't tell me..." Lexi raised her brow by the unexpected response she received. However, just as she was about to asked what does she mean by that, a thought suddenly struck her mind which made her narrow her eyes in suspicion. 

"Hihi~ shhh!" Still giggling at her own mischief, Rika Song placed her forefinger in front of her glossy lips, gesturing Lexi to keep her secret just to them. 

"Well, I can't help but fan the flames, you know. She has too many offenses, I can't help but take advantage of her karma." Rika Song showed zero sign of remorse at her 'childish' revenge at Che Diayu. Hence, Lexi was rendered speechless as she could only shake her head. 

"No wonder the writing seethed deep grudges to the subject." Sounding helpless, Lexi took her thoughts back regarding Rika Song being the epitome of women's empowerment. Perhaps, just some days. 

Alright, best friend was also flawed like any other human being and she got the luxury to be entertained at the downfall of a hateful person such as Che Diayu. Even so, Lexi's views towards Rika Song didn't change the slightest. 

Just the two peacefully continued to catch up, a sudden voice that made Lexi's under-eye twitched reached their ears. 

"Lexi!" Stella Du loudly called as she approached them. Her surprisingly evolved hips waved with every step she took. She bore this harmless smile yet, Lexi had sensed that trouble herself was walking towards her. 

'Me and my luck at parties, great!' As Lexi watched Stella Du draw closer, she could not help but mocked her luck at parties. It was not that she cared but still, dealing with someone as close-minded as Stella Du was not entertaining at all. 

"My gosh! It's been a while since we last met each other! How are you?" When Stella Du reached her, she smiled brightly and acted as if she was a close friend. 

"Good. You?" Forcing a smile on her face, Lexi asked out of etiquette. 

"Good, I mean great! My company had been progressing so fast, I have to sacrifice some sleep. CEO duties, heh." For some reason, Stella Du seemed she had let go of their last encounter back in Ethan Lu's event. Still, Lexi was not a fool to fall for whatever game she was playing. 

"Wow, happy for you, then. Hehe!" Still smiling, Lexi briefly raised her brows before casting Rika Song a side glance— seeking her help which her best friend understood. 

"Right, about the collaboration I am talking about—" Rika Song chimed in that Lexi instantly turned to her bearing an eager and solemn look plastered across her face. Luckily, Rika Song had mastered the craft of suppressing her laughter hence, she managed to keep her acting despite Lexi's obvious act. 

However, even before Rika Song could finish her sentence, she was abruptly interrupted by Stella Du. 

"Uhm, I'm sorry. Who is this?" Appearing clueless, Stella Du inquired as she darted her gaze from Lexi to Rika Song.

"Huh," For some reason, Rika Song was triggered. It was not a huge deal with her if someone could not recognize her— she would be glad instead. However, she sensed the clear mockery from her tone. 

"I'm sorry for the late introduction. My last name is Song, Rika Song, Miss...?" Regardless of how she was annoyed by the woman's presence that spreading discomfort in her vicinity, Rika Song calmed herself down and introduced herself as humble as she could. 

"Du, Stella Du; Owner of Stellar Cosmetics. Nice meeting you but, I am having a conversation with my friend, Lexi. Would you mind?" Still carrying her smile, Stella Du boasted her title before she raised her brows, indirectly telling Rika Song to step aside. 

"Oh? Is that so, Miss CEO? Of course, I won't! Go ahead," Shocked at the audacity of this shameless girl, Rika Song placed her hand on her chest as she profusely shook her head sideways. 

"Thank you," Confident as she was, Stella Du smiled as she returned her attention to Lexi. "Anyways, as I am saying..." However, just as Stella Du was about to continue her boasting about her company, Lexi had turned to face Rika Song. 

"Right, about the collaboration of your own starting your own cosmetic line, the samples will be ready in a few days. You can either drop by at the office or I will send it to your house if it will complicate your schedule." Ignoring the presence of the Stella Du, Lexi solemnly spoke to Rika Song as if they were initially talking about business-related stuff.  

"Ahem! Miss Yang?" Stella Du coughed to snatch Lexi's attention once again. Her bright smile slightly faded at Lexi's high and mighty act and her patience enormously reduced. 

"Oh? Miss Du, my apologies as I can't cater you right now. Miss Song here forgot to mention that she's also my client. So, if you don't mind, I have a 'CEO duties' to fulfill." Casting Stella Du the last halfhearted attention she could give, Lexi acted sorry as she explained her current ordeal. Of course, she didn't forget to use the 'duties' Stella Du was so proud of. 

"Thank you. Let's go, bestie?" Seeing the offended look slowly creeping out from Stella Du's facade, Lexi pretended not to notice as she courtly smiled at her before turning to Rika Song. 

"Bestie, is it really alright to leave your friend?" As the two leaves, Rika Song innocently inquired yet, her voice was audible enough for Stella Du to hear. 

"It's a shame but, you're not just my best friend but also my client. I need to set my priorities straight since we were both busy and we only had a chance to talk about business plans in person." Playing along, Lexi heavily sighed as she spoke her clear and rational reason.